Definitions for "Avascular necrosis"
Death of the cells in a bone or joint due to a loss of blood flow. Avascular necrosis may result from blockage of blood vessels inside a weakened and collapsing bone.
Loss of blood supply to the bone. Without blood, the bone tissue dies making the bone weak and more likely to collapse. Avascular necrosis can be a side effect of long term or high dose steroid treatment. It happens most often in the hip bones.
Also referred to as osteonecrosis. A disease resulting from temporary or permanent loss of blood supply to the bone. It is a possible late complication that may be associated with Highly Active Antiretroviral Therapy (HAART). The most common site is the femoral head. Many patients have other risk factors including alcohol abuse, hyperlipidemia, corticosteroid use, and hypercoagulability (increased clotting ability of the blood).